Magical Ritual in Modern Pagan Witchcraft

Neo-Pagan religion makes much use of magical ritual. Neo-Pagan magic is known both as a science and as an art. Vast amounts of literature exist exploring all aspects of the discipline of magical ritual, while various contemporary mystery schools and traditions offer courses that claim to open the doors to the perennial mysteries through instruction and initiation. One of the most magically orientated paths within Neo-Paganism today is Wicca or Modern Pagan Witchcraft. This chapter describes Wicca’s use of magical ritual and the meaning and symbolism embedded in the Wiccan rituals. It explores the meaning and use of ritual dress, ritual movement and actions, and Wiccan religious identity in relation to the performance of these rituals. Finally it examines Wiccan ritual in the light of psychological and sociological theory and attempts to explain the growing appeal of this religious practice within contemporary Western society.